IN-HOME CARE CAN HELP SENIORS BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

Winter is quickly approaching, and as the temperatures dip and streets become coated with ice and snow, community-dwelling seniors often find themselves feeling increasingly isolated. During the winter months, visits from friends or family decrease, and it becomes more difficult to get outdoors for errands. 

Fortunately, in-home care can help. A qualified and compassionate in-home caregiver can provide not only essential assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, toileting, dressing, shopping, meal preparation, and light housekeeping—but can also be an invaluable companion.

 A Note About Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As the days grow shorter and daylight becomes scarce, some people find themselves feeling sadder and less motivated than normal. Called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this cyclical depression can have a profound effect on seniors who may already be feeling pangs of isolation. SAD is estimated to affect about 10 million Americans, though the number of cases is probably higher due to under-reporting. SAD can compound existing feelings of isolation and can contribute to any existing mood disorders a person may have. Symptoms of SAD include:

• loss of interest in activities
• social isolation
• decreased appetite
• sleep disturbances
• trouble focusing
• decreased mental acuity

Beating the Winter Blues

Humans are social animals, and prolonged isolation can have detrimental effects on our mood, mental acuity, and even physical health. Isolation has been shown, for example, to worsen depression and anxiety while decreasing feelings of  agency and self-sufficiency. That’s why it’s so important for community-dwelling seniors to maintain social connections during the winter months.

Let’s look at a few ways in-home care can help beat the winter blues

• Human Contact

Regular, scheduled visits from an in-home caregiver can offer clients consistent companionship and socialization to help keep the mind sharp.

• Conversation & Companionship

Consistent social interaction has been shown to have a positive affect on seniors with and without SAD. Social contact promotes an interest in life and in others while boosting mood.

• Preserving Memories

Many elders living independently suffer from memory deficits. An in-home caregiver can be a listener, encouraging clients to talk about their lives, and even reviewing old photo albums and scrapbooks.

• Games & Puzzles

One great way for seniors to maintain mental acuity is to play word games and puzzles. These simple activities can help reinforce problem-solving skills and even boost mood.

• Nutrition

Much of our mental and emotional health depends on a nutritious diet. An in-home caregiver can help seniors make healthy shopping choices and can assist in meal prep and food storage. At 5 Star Home Care, we believe that successful community care begins by supporting each client’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. Our trained, compassionate caregivers enjoy engaging with clients and helping today’s community-dwelling seniors maintain an independent lifestyle. Want to learn more? Contact us today!

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like. Contact us today.